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Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to start for Week 13

By Genna Preston

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When it comes to fantasy football this week, here are the top 10 players to absolutely start heading into Week 13 NFL action.

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Nick Hayden (96) during the third quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This week marks one of the last weeks before fantasy owners attempt to clinch a spot in the playoffs. As we enter Week 13, fantasy owners are left with a few tough decisions after Week 12 blowouts and injuries.

We enter Week 13 with Jimmy Graham out for the rest of the season. The fate of Rob Gronkowski is unpredictable as he was carted off during the fourth quarter of the New England Patriots first loss of the season. The Arizona Cardinals lost Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington while the Indianapolis Colts attempt to replace Ahmad Bradshaw.

These end of season injuries do not mean the season is over for you. With valuable players out, it gives other players a chance to shine, and shine they will! Don’t go out without a bang; start these top 10 players this week, and you will sail to victory.

Next: 10. Keep an eye on this Raider

Nov 29, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

10. Derek Carr

Quarterback Derek Carr lands a place on the start list for Week 13. Not only has he wowed fans everywhere this season, but his fantasy points per game have been well above average.

Last week, Carr offered fantasy owners another outstanding week when he completed 24-of-37 passes for 330 yards. Although Carr fumbled twice, he made it up with 3 touchdowns in a Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans.

Even with a tough Week 13 match-up against a solid Kansas City Chiefs’ defense, Carr is ranked a QB1. He is projected another great week in fantasy points and is a sure Week 13 starter.

Next: 9. This Jet keeps on pounding

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs with the ball while being pursued by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brice McCain (24) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

9. Chris Ivory

This running back has been hit or miss with fantasy value this week. However, after last week’s performance, Chris Ivory deserves a spot on your Week 13 line-up.

In Week 12, Ivory rushed 21 times for 81 yards. He also caught 2-of-2 targets and a touchdown in his Week 12 divisional victory over the Miami Dolphins. It looks like he’s coming back to his early season form during the most important part of the season.

Ivory enters Week 13 a RB1 against the New York Giants. Although his fantasy points haven’t been consistent, he is projected double-digit points against the Giants who rank 23rd against opposing running backs.

Next: 8. Start this Panther

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs the ball against Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Carolina won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart has been a consistent fantasy football starter this season. Although his Week 12 match-up offered him his lowest yards per carry, he still earned double-digit points easily.

Last week, Stewart had 21 carries for 68 yards. He also caught 3-of-4 targets in the Carolina Panthers big Thanksgiving win over the Dallas Cowboys.

This week, Stewart prepares to take on the New Orleans Saints, which should result in another great fantasy week for Stewart. The Saints ranks 29th against opposing running backs and should allow Stewart another double-digit week.

Next: 7. This Bill continues to keep producing

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

7. LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy is another consistent running back who offers fantasy owners double-digit points week after week. He has offered over 10 points per game in at least half of his match-ups this season.

In Week 12, McCoy caught 3-of-5 targets for 31 yards. He also rushed 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown in last week’s game against the Chiefs.

McCoy has found the end zone three times within his last four games. This week he faces the Houston Texans who have allowed over 113 rushing yards per game and rank 18th against opposing running backs. He is a well-deserved starter this week.

Next: 6. A Bear looking to bounce back

Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) practices before the game against the Green Bay Packers for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

6. Matt Forte

Matt Forte’s Week 12 return was an upset for fantasy owners. Forte barely reached 6 points on average in his Week 12 match-up.

Last week, Forte posted 44 yards on 15 carries. He also had a whopping 9 yards on his one reception of the game. But, don’t let these numbers scare you coming into Week 13.

This week Forte and the Chicago Bears face-off against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco has offered the second most points to running backs this season. This match-up will offer Forte a chance re-enter the fantasy world as he is projected more targets and fantasy points in his match-up against a weak San Francisco defense.

Next: 5. A Dolphin continuing to flourish

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) catches a touchdown pass while being defended by New York Jets cornerback Darrin Walls (26) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jarvis Landry

The New York Jets demolished the Miami Dolphins in Week 12’s match-up. However, Jarvis Landry still managed to earn over 30 fantasy points depending on your league.

Landry caught 13-of-16 targets. He totaled 16 yards and a touchdown with his efforts. This week, Landry is up against the Baltimore Ravens who have given up the 7th most passing touchdowns of the season; they also rank 29th against opposing wide receivers.

Landry is projected to earn over 15 points in most leagues, which is of important value as we head into the fantasy playoffs. Don’t be ashamed to start Landry this week as he is valuable fantasy player.

Next: 4. Another Jet worth starting this week

Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates during the first half of the NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

4. Eric Decker

The Jets have been hit or miss this season with fantasy value. However, coming into Week 13, wide receiver Eric Decker is a must start.

Decker caught 5-of-9 targets for 62 yards. He also scored a touchdown in the division sweep against the Dolphins this year. He continues to do very well on the Jets as their No. 2 receiving option.

Decker has scored touchdowns in eight of his ten games so far this season. This week’s New York verse New York match-up seems promising against the Giants who rank 22nd against opposing wide receivers. Decker has earned double-digit points every week thus far, and the Giants don’t seem like they will stop the trend in Week 13.

Next: 3. A Bengal on the prowl

Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. A.J. Green

A.J. Green is another stud in the fantasy football realm. Green has had his fair share of mishaps, but he comes into Week 13 averaging double-digit points in nine of his eleven games this season.

Last week, Green caught 6-of-8 targets for 61 yards. He even wowed fans everywhere when he completed two touchdown passes in a Week 12 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Although Green has shared his end zone time with Tyler Eifert, his fantasy value does not seem to be in jeopardy. Week 13 introduces Green to the Cleveland Browns who rank 26th against opposing wide receivers. Don’t make the mistake of not starting Green this week.

Next: 2. A Chief trying to make a name for himself

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) has a pass fall just out of reach during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Kansas City won 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

2. Travis Kelce

Unfortunately, this tight end doesn’t get to shine as much as he should as, the Chiefs are predominantly a run-first kind of team. But, after last week’s targets, Kelce seems to be on quarterback Alex Smith’s radar.

In Week 12, Kelce caught 4-of-7 targets for 69 yards. He also posted a touchdown in last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills.

Kelce enters Week 13 in a match-up against the Oakland Raiders. Although Oakland has had a transformation kind of season, they now rank 30th against opposing tight ends. Kelce should have another big fantasy victory in Week 13.

Next: 1. A Viking ready to seize the moment

Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass for a 47 yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph has been the Minnesota Vikings’ secret weapon in the past two weeks. Rudolph was Minnesota’s leader in targets, yards and receptions in his Week 12 match-up against the Atlanta Falcons.

Rudolph completed 7-of-10 targets for 53 yards in Sunday’s Week 12 win. Although he has not been a consistent fantasy value, his Week 13 match-up seems like another promising week for Rudolph.

Next: Top 5 fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 13

Rudolph prepares for a match-up against the Seattle Seahawks who rank 29th against opposing tight ends. With these statistics and Rudolph’s recent explosion, he is a sure starter for any Week 13 fantasy  line-up.